U.S. patent application number 10/541961 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for surgical clip and method for making same.
Invention is credited to Charles C. Hart, Henry Kahle, Ghassan Sakakine.
Application Number | 20060100646 10/541961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32908526 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060100646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hart; Charles C. ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Surgical clip and method for making same
Abstract
An improved clip or clamp is provided having a one-piece
wire-form construction that is suited for rapid and repeatable
manufacture. The clamp, which may be disposable or reusable,
includes a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, a first handle
portion, a second handle portion and a central coil or tensioning
device, all of which are formed from a single piece of wire. The
central coil or tensioning device comprises one or more turns. The
handle portions may include ring-shaped distal ends that further
enhance grip. The jaw portions may be shaped, curved, bent or
otherwise configured to provide access to specific areas of a
procedure. The clamp may be coated with a material providing
improved traction and padding. In a method of the invention, a
single wire is wound at least one turn forming the central coil and
two extensions. A first extension of the wire is formed into the
first jaw portion by bending back on itself, the first extension is
then returned to the central coil where it is formed to rest upon
an outer surface of the central coil. The bent first extension,
which now extends rearward in a direction opposite to the direction
of the first jaw portion, is then bent again forming the first
handle portion. A second extension is similarly bent to form the
second jaw portion and the second handle portion. The single-wire
construction of the clamp may be achieved through programmed wire
forming. In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of clamps
may be placed upon a traction rod made from a metal or plastic
material to align two or more stump portions of a severed vessel or
tissue for reconnection or anastomosis.
Inventors: |
Hart; Charles C.;
(Summerville, SC) ; Kahle; Henry; (Trabuco Canyon,
CA) ; Sakakine; Ghassan; (Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
APPLIED MEDICAL RESOUCES CORPORATION
22872 Avenida Empresa
Rancho Santa Margarita
CA
92688
US
|
Family ID: |
32908526 |
Appl. No.: |
10/541961 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 2, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/02862 |
371 Date: |
July 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60448022 |
Feb 18, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/1227 20130101;
A61B 2017/1107 20130101; A61B 2017/00946 20130101; A61B 2017/1135
20130101; A61B 2017/1103 20130101; A61B 17/08 20130101; A61B 17/083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/151 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/08 20060101
A61B017/08 |
Claims
1. A one-piece surgical clip, comprising: a first jaw having a
distal end and a proximal end; a second jaw opposed to said first
jaw having a distal end and a proximal end; a first arm operably
attached to the proximal end of the first jaw to pressably open or
close said first jaw; and a second arm operably attached to the
proximal end of the second jaw to pressably open or close said
second jaw, wherein said clip is constructed from a single
wire.
2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms
are resiliently pressed against each other in the closed
position.
3. The surgical clip of claim 1, further comprising a tensioning
device operably connected to the first jaw and the second jaw to
bias the first and second jaws to a closed position.
4. The surgical clip of claim 3, wherein the tensioning device is a
central coil having at least one turn.
5. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the tension, strength and
holding characteristics of the tensioning device may be varied
based on the number of turns of the central coil and the hardness
or temper of the wire.
6. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire has a
cross-section having an oval, circular, square, rectangular or any
geometric shape.
7. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is folded in one
plane.
8. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws
may be curved, shaped, bent or configured to provide access to a
specific area of a procedure.
9. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
arm and the second arm includes a hole or a ring-shaped proximal
tip to further enhance grip.
10. The surgical clip of claim 9, wherein the hole or ring-shaped
proximal tip is used to attach a tether or suture to provide easy
tracking, retrieval and accounting of the clip.
11. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second jaws includes an atraumatic distal end.
12. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws
are serrated to provide improved traction.
13. The surgical clip of claim 1, further comprising a coating over
the first and second jaws to provide improved traction and
padding.
14. The surgical clip of claim 13, wherein the coating includes at
least one of soft elastomer, Kraton, PVC, polyisoprene and the
like.
15. The surgical clip of claim 13, wherein the first and second
jaws are coated with one material and the rest of the clip is
coated with another material.
16. The surgical clip of claim 1, further comprising a tool to
reshape the first and second jaws to a custom configuration.
17. The surgical clip of claim 3, further comprising a traction rod
sized and configured to fit into a lumen of the tensioning device
to place the clip at a desired position or location during a
procedure.
18. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is used as an
aneurysm clamp, a peripheral vascular clamp or as a neurological
clamp.
19. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is
disposable.
20. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is reusable.
21. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is formed from
stamping.
22. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is formed from a
pre-formed ribbon of metal.
23. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is formed from a
die-cut pre-form.
24. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is formed from
at least one of a photo-chemically cut, an etched pre-form and a
sheet of pre-formed ribbon.
25. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the wire is formed from a
plurality of pre-forms generated on a single sheet.
26. A method of forming a one-piece surgical clip, comprising:
winding a single wire around a support member or mandrel at least
one turn forming a central coil, a first extension and a second
extension; bending the first extension back on itself forming a
first jaw and bending the second extension back on itself forming
the second jaw; and returning the first bent extension and the
second bent extension to the central coil such that the first and
second extensions extend rearward in a direction opposite to the
direction of the first and second jaws to form a first handle
portion and a second handle portion.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising bending the proximal
tips of the first and second handle portions to further enhance
grip.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the first and second
bent extensions includes an atraumatic distal end.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the returning first and second
bent extensions are formed to rest upon the central coil.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein the first and second jaws may
be curved, shaped, bent or configured to provide access to a
specific area of a procedure.
31. The method of claim 26, further comprising coating the first
and second jaws with at least one of an atraumatic and a
traction-enhancing material.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein traction is separated from the
force required to occlude a bodily tissue or vessel.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the coating includes at least
one of soft elastomer, Krayton, PVC, polyisoprene and the like.
34. The method of claim 26, further comprising coating the first
and second jaws with a first traction-enhancing material and
coating the rest of the clip with a second material.
35. The method of claim 26, further comprising placing disposable
inserts over the first and second jaws to improve traction.
36. The method of claim 26, further comprising placing reusable
inserts over the first and second jaws to improve traction.
37. The method of claim 26, wherein at least one of the first
handle portion and the second handle portion includes a hole or a
ring-shaped proximal tip to further enhance grip.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising placing a tether or
suture through one of the handle portions to provide easy tracking,
retrieval and accounting of the clip.
39. The method of claim 26, wherein the process is automated.
40. The method of claim 26, wherein the wire has a cross-section
having an oval, circular, square, rectangular or any geometric
shape.
41. A one-piece surgical clip, comprising: a first jaw having a
distal end and a proximal end; a second jaw opposed to said first
jaw having a distal end and a proximal end; a first arm integrally
formed at the proximal end of the first jaw to pressably open or
close said first jaw; and a second arm integrally formed at the
proximal end of the second jaw to pressably open or close said
second jaw, wherein said clip is constructed from a single wire
42. The surgical clip of claim 40, further comprising a tensioning
device integrally formed with the first jaw and the second jaw to
bias the first and second jaws to a closed position.
Description
[0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming the priority
of provisional application Ser. No. 60/448,022, filed on Feb. 18,
2003, entitled "Surgical Clip and Method for Making Same," which is
fully incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to surgical clips and
clamps and, more specifically, to a surgical clip or clamp having a
one-piece wire-form construction suited for rapid and low cost
manufacture.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0005] Clips and clamps are commonly used in surgical procedures to
interrupt or inhibit fluid flow in body conduits such as arteries,
veins and ducts. These clips and clamps may be disposable or
reusable. The disposable clips and clamps are typically made of
plastic while the reusable clips and clamps are generally made of
metal. These devices usually include extension or compression
springs for biasing the opposed jaws to a closed position. In
particular, these clips typically comprise a pair of opposed jaws
that are closed by a spring. The opposed jaws may be shaped,
curved, bent or otherwise configured to provide access to specific
areas of a procedure. In addition, the jaws may be serrated or the
surfaces of the jaws may be treated to provide improved
traction.
[0006] Currently, it is very costly to make metal clips and clamps,
especially the small clips and clamps that require great precision
in the manufacturing process. Moreover, in order to reuse these
clips and clamps, they have to be carefully cleaned and stored in
specialized containers, the process of which is time consuming and
costly. Alternatively, a plastic clip or clamp may be used in place
of the metal device. The plastic clip or clamp, however, requires a
different construction and a similarly sized clip or clamp does not
provide the same traction or clamping force as its metal
counterpart. As a consequence, larger and bulkier plastic clips or
clamps have to be used in place of the metal devices. Therefore,
there is a need in the art for an improved metal clip or clamp that
is simple in design and construction. It is desirable that the
improved clip or clamp is constructed from a single wire that is
suited for rapid and repeatable manufacture. The improved clip or
clamp should be disposable or reusable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An improved clip or clamp is provided having a one-piece
wire-form construction that is suited for rapid and repeatable
manufacture. The improved clamp is disposable or reusable. The
improved clamp includes a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion,
a first handle portion, a second handle portion and a central coil
or tensioning device, all of which are formed from a single piece
of wire. The central coil or tensioning device has a longitudinal
axis and comprises one or more turns. The handle portions may
include ring-shaped distal tips that further enhance grip. The
improved clamp operates by squeezing together the handle portions
about the longitudinal axis of the central coil to open the jaw
portions, placing the jaw portions around a target body conduit,
and slowly letting go of the handle portions to allow the jaw
portions to close on the target body conduit. The clamps
contemplated by the present invention may be of any size in
accordance with the needs and requirements of each surgical
procedure.
[0008] Different wire materials, wire diameters and coil turns may
be used to provide the various tensions, strengths and other
holding characteristics of the clamp. The wire material may be of a
specific hardness or temper to provide specific strength and
tension properties. In another aspect of the invention, a wire may
be flattened or coined to provide a particular profile, shape or
embossing. In addition, the jaw portions of the clamp may be
shaped, curved, bent or otherwise configured to provide access to
specific areas of a procedure. The clamp may also be coated with a
material providing improved traction and padding. The material used
for coating may be thermoset or thermoplastic materials, examples
of which include soft silicone elastomer, Krayton, PVC,
polyisoprene and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the
entire clamp may be coated with one material and the jaw portions
coated with another material.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a single wire is
wound at least one turn forming the central coil and two
extensions. A first extension of the wire is formed into the first
jaw portion by bending back on itself, the first extension is then
returned to the central coil where it is formed to rest upon an
outer surface of the central coil. The bent first extension, which
now extends rearward in a direction opposite to the direction of
the first jaw portion, is then bent again forming the first handle
portion. Similarly, a second extension of the wire is formed into
the second jaw portion by bending back on itself, the second
extension is then returned to the central coil where it is formed
to rest upon an outer surface of the central coil. The bent second
extension, which now extends rearward in a direction opposite to
the direction of the second jaw portion, is then bent again forming
the second handle portion.
[0010] The single-wire construction of the improved clamp may be
achieved through programmed wire forming, which is highly automated
and cost effective. The clamp of the invention is easy to clean and
sterilize since there are no rivets or joined components.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of clamps
may be placed upon a traction rod, which is sized and configured to
fit neatly into the lumen of the central coils of the clamps. The
clamps are held in place upon the traction rod by friction or by a
plurality of detente features on the traction rod. The clamps
placed on the traction rod may be used to align two or more stump
portions of a severed vessel or tissue for reconnection or
anastomosis. The traction rod is preferably made from a malleable
metal or plastic material that allows a user to precisely align two
or more portions of a vessel or tissue for suturing, stapling or
gluing. The variety of jaw shapes of the clamps may be combined
with the malleable traction rod to provide a plurality of
attachment possibilities.
[0012] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent with a discussion of preferred
embodiments in reference to the associated drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective frontal view of the clamp of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the clamp of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the clamp of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the clamp in an open condition;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clamp in an open
condition;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamp closing;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a straight-jaw clamp in a closed
condition;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a straight-jaw clamp in an open
condition;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a straight-jaw clamp closing on a
vessel;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a curved-jaw clamp in a closed
condition;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a curved-jaw clamp closing on a
vessel;
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a curved-jaw clamp closed on a
vessel;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the clamp showing a traction
feature;
[0026] FIGS. 14-19 show a jaw portion having a curved jaw profile,
an angular jaw profile, a rectangular jaw profile, a semi-circular
jaw profile, a right angle jaw profile, and a circular jaw profile,
respectively;
[0027] FIG. 20 illustrates a plurality of clamps used upon a
traction rod;
[0028] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a plurality of clamps placed upon
a traction rod for anastomosis of a-vessel;
[0029] FIG. 23 illustrates the use of a shapeable traction rod with
a plurality of clamps;
[0030] FIG. 24 shows a preferred wire having a round
cross-section;
[0031] FIG. 25 shows a wire having a square cross-section in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 26 shows a wire having a rectangular cross-section in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
[0033] FIGS. 27(a) and 27(b) illustrate perspective views of a
clamp formed of a single wire having a rectangular cross-section
folded in a single plane in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF THE
INVENTION
[0034] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a surgical clamp 100 in accordance with
the first embodiment of the invention. Surgical clamp 100 is unique
in that it is formed from a single piece of wire and includes a
first jaw portion 102, a second jaw portion 104, a first handle
portion 108, a second handle portion 110 and a central coil or
tensioning device 106 operatively connected to the first jaw
portion 102, second jaw portion 104, first handle portion 108 and
second handle portion 110. The central coil or tensioning device
106 has a longitudinal axis 112 and comprises one or more turns.
The handle portions 108 and 110 may include ring-shaped distal tips
108a and 110a, respectively, that further enhance grip. The clamp
100 operates by squeezing together the handle portions 108 and 110
about the axis 112 to open the jaw portions 102 and 104,
respectively, placing the jaw portions 102 and 104 around a target
body conduit, and slowly letting go of the handle portions 108 and
110 to allow the jaw portions 102 and 104 to close on the target
body conduit.
[0035] It is appreciated that various tensions, strengths and other
holding characteristics may be derived from the use of different
wire materials, wire diameters and coil turns. The wire material
may be of a specific hardness or temper to provide specific
strength and tension properties. In addition, the wire material
chosen may have a specific "drawn" profile that adds specific
properties to the clamp. FIGS. 24-26 illustrate that the wire may
be round, square or rectangular, respectively. FIGS. 27(a) and
27(b) illustrate perspective views of a clamp formed of a single
wire having a rectangular cross-section folded in a single plane.
In another aspect of the invention, a round wire may be flattened
or coined to provide a particular profile, shape or embossing. In
this case, the clamp may be formed of a round wire and subsequently
embossed by compressing the jaws over a double-sided serrated or
"patterned" mandrel to impress the features of the mandrel upon the
opposing jaw surfaces. In yet another aspect of the invention, the
clamp may be hardened in specific areas or regions to provide
specific properties to the selected areas or regions.
[0036] In accordance with a preferred method of the invention, a
single wire is wound at least one turn forming the central coil or
tensioning device 106 and two extensions. A first extension of the
wire is formed into the first jaw portion 102 by bending back on
itself, the first extension is then returned to the central coil
106 where it is formed to rest upon an outer surface of the central
coil 106. The bent first extension, which now extends rearward in a
direction opposite to the direction of the first jaw portion 102,
is then bent again forming the first handle portion 108. Similarly,
a second extension of the wire is formed into the second jaw
portion 104 by bending back on itself, the second extension is then
returned to the central coil 106 where it is formed to rest upon an
outer surface of the central coil 106. The bent second extension,
which now extends rearward in a direction opposite to the direction
of the second jaw portion 104, is then bent again forming the
second handle portion 110.
[0037] More specifically, the central coil 106 is formed having a
first extension and a second extension. The first extension is
extended for a desired length and is bent defining a first jaw
length. In particular, the first extension is bent upon itself
forming the first jaw portion 102. After the first jaw portion 102
is formed, the first extension is returned to the central coil 106
where it is bent around the coil 106 and continues to extend
rearward in a direction opposite to the direction of the first jaw
portion 102. Thus, the first jaw portion 102 comprises the first
extension of the wire that is doubled by being bent back upon
itself. The first jaw portion 102 has a rounded atraumatic distal
end 102a and a margin between the bent wire. The returning first
extension is formed to rest upon the central coil 106 and extends
rearward for a first distance where it is subsequently bent forming
the first handle portion 108.
[0038] Similarly, the second extension is extended for a desired
length and is bent defining a second jaw length. That is, the
second extension is bent upon itself forming the second jaw portion
104. After the second jaw portion 104 is formed, the second
extension is returned to the central coil 106 where it is bent
around the coil 106 and continues to extend rearward in a direction
opposite to the direction of the second jaw portion 104. The second
jaw portion 104 has a rounded atraumatic distal end 104a and a
margin between the bent wire. The returning second extension is
formed to rest upon the central coil 106 and extends rearward for a
second distance where it is subsequently bent forming the second
handle portion 110.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 7-12, two jaw profiles are shown in two
series of conditions that illustrate the clamps of the present
invention in use. More specifically, FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a
straight-jaw clamp 200 in a closed, open and closing condition,
respectively. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a curved-jaw clamp 300 in a
closed, closing on a vessel, and closed on a vessel condition,
respectively. The straight-jaw clamp 200 is similar to small clamps
of this nature. The straight-jaw clamp 200 may be appropriate for
use with very thin materials or very thin-walled vessels where the
clamping force is needed toward the ultimate end of the clamp
stroke. In some cases, however, a curved jaw such as the one
illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 may be appropriate for use where thick
materials or vessels having thick or irregular walls must be
occluded. The above-described clamps 200 and 300 operate by
squeezing together the handle portions to open the jaws, placing
the jaws around a target body conduit, and slowly letting go of the
handle portions to allow the jaws to close on the target body
conduit.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a clamp 350 having
jaws 352 and 354 with additional traction capabilities. In
particular, the jaws 352 and 354 of clamp 350 are coated with a
material that enhances traction and provides a soft and atraumatic
padding over the jaws. It should be noted that the margins between
the two wire extensions that form the jaws already provide enhanced
traction. That is, the clamp is not likely to slip along the length
of a vessel due to the vessel material that is urged into the
margin when the jaws are closed. Stated another way, traction is
separated from the force required to occlude the vessel. As such,
the jaw portions of the clamp may be coated with more than one
material to enhance traction and to protect delicate body tissues.
The materials used to coat or cover the jaw portions may be soft
silicone elastomer, Krayton, PVC, polyisoprene and the like. In
another aspect of the invention, the entire clamp may be coated
with one material and the jaw portions coated with another
material. A traction enhancement feature of the invention may be
added to the opposing surfaces of the jaws during the application
of a jaw coating by placing an embossed wafer between the jaws
after they have been coated and while they cure. In yet another
embodiment of the invention, disposable or reusable inserts may
also be placed over the jaw portions of the clamp to improve
traction.
[0041] It is appreciated that the clamps contemplated by the
present invention may be of any size in accordance with the needs
and requirements of each surgical procedure. However, it should be
noted that the advantages of the invention are most apparent in
clamps that are very small. For instance, aneurysm clamps,
peripheral vascular clamps and neurological clamps may be only
0.50'' to 0.75'' in length. These clamps are very small and
delicate and they tend to get lost and damaged. As such, with the
ring-shaped handle construction of the clamps of the invention, a
tether or suture may be attached to the handle portions to provide
easy tracking, retrieval and accounting. It is appreciated,
however, that the handle portions may be shaped to a variety of
shapes (e.g., round, oval, triangular, rectangular, etc.) in
accordance with the intended use of the clamp. The handle portion
may even be a straight handle with an atraumatic tip that could be
very useful in low-profile situations. A clamp having a straight
handle may be applied using a special applier for placing of the
clamp.
[0042] The single-wire construction of the clamp of the present
invention is of particular interest. In particular, the single-wire
construction may be achieved through programmed wire forming, which
is highly automated and cost effective. As a result, the clamps
made according to the present invention are inexpensive to produce.
Moreover, the clamps of the invention are easy to clean and
sterilize since there are no rivets or joined components. It is
further appreciated that the inexpensive construction of the clamps
of the invention also favors the single use of the clamps. As a
result, the clamps of the invention may be disposable or reusable
depending on a user's preference.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 14-19, there are shown clamps having a
curved jaw profile 400, an angular jaw profile 405, a rectangular
jaw profile 410, a semi-circular jaw profile 415, a right angle jaw
profile 420, and a circular jaw profile 425, respectively, in
accordance with the many embodiments of the jaw portions of the
invention. The jaw portions may be shaped to a variety of shapes in
accordance with the intended use of the clamp. In addition to the
standard shapes common to the clamps of the prior art, the jaw
portions of the present invention may be formed to various open
shapes that would be unattainable in clamps of the prior art. More
specifically, the doubled-over wire construction of the jaw
portions of the invention allow the width, length and shape of the
jaws to be adjusted during manufacture or even during use. For
instance, a tool may be supplied to a user to allow the user to
reshape the jaw portions to a custom configuration during use.
Alternatively, a clamp may be constructed such that only the
central coil and the handle portions are hardened. This would leave
the jaw portions in a softer condition to allow a user to form them
in a desired shape.
[0044] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a plurality of clamps used upon a
traction rod. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a traction rod 502 is
sized and configured to fit neatly into the lumen created by the
central coils of clamps 500a, 500b, 500c and 500d. The clamps 500a,
500b, 500c and 500d slide easily upon the traction rod 502 when the
handles of the respective clamps are slightly depressed. This is
because the central coils of the clamps slightly open when the
handles are depressed. The clamps are held in place upon the
traction rod by friction or by a plurality of detente features on
the traction rod. In another aspect of the invention as illustrated
in FIGS. 21 and 22, clamps 510a and 510b placed on a traction rod
512 may be used to align two or more stump portions 514 and 516 of
a severed vessel or tissue for reconnection or anastomosis. In a
preferred embodiment, the traction rod of the invention is made
from a malleable metal or plastic material that allows a user to
precisely align two or more portions of tissue for suturing or
stapling. As illustrated in FIG. 23, it can be seen that a
malleable or shapeable traction rod 522 may be bent or adjusted to
align body tissues and conduits and to accommodate the position
requirements of a surgical procedure. Individual clamps 520a, 520b
and 520c may be placed upon the traction rod 522 to approximate
tissue or vessels 524 and 526 for connection by suturing, stapling
or gluing. Referring back to FIGS. 14-19, it can be seen that the
variety of jaw shapes of the clamps may be combined with the
malleable traction rod to provide a plurality of attachment
possibilities.
[0045] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, many other changes, modifications and
substitutions will now be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art, without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention.
* * * * *